By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As Americans watch the unspeakable loss of life and property in Ukraine, not to mention the millions of citizens who have become refugees, many people have expressed a wish that they could do something to help. For your information we are providing links below to several sources that are making recommendations for charitable contributions. The Banner, of course, is unable to make any endorsements. Readers are undoubtedly aware that thousands of Afghan refugees were recently hosted at Fort McCoy. Many people and organizations have been helping a number of those people to get settled in Wisconsin. See the second part of this article for information on these efforts.
Catholic News has a number of suggestions of Catholic related organizations.
CNN’s “Impact Your World” is suggesting contributions to 40 different organizations that are assisting with relief efforts. A contribution may be given that will be split between the 40 agencies, but the website also provides an opportunity to contribute directly to any one of the 40 organizations.
The Cut provides a very extensive list of suggested organizations to help the people of Ukraine.
Fox News lists three organizations which it says have received top ratings from Charity Navigator.
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Efforts to Assist New Afghan Neighbors
Editor’s note: Thanks to Rev. Mary Beth Byrne for this information.
Resettlement Agencies, Coalitions, and Communities in Wisconsin
South Central Wisconsin – Jewish Social Services is a resettlement agency located in Madison. With the support of volunteers through Open Doors For Refugees, they are resettling families and individuals in and around Madison. Visit opendoorsforrefugees.org to learn how you and/or your congregation to volunteer.
South East Wisconsin – Lutheran Social Services is resettling and supporting Afghans primarily in Milwaukee and within a 100 mile radius. International Institute of Wisconsin is also resettling Afghans in Milwaukee. LSS does cosponsorship with churches and both are in need of volunteers. Team Rubicon collects and distributes material donations and the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition provides services and support to the refugee communities in Milwaukee.
Webinar Opportunity:
After Fort McCoy: Immigration Justice Here and Now with our New Afghan Neighbors
Hosted by the United Church of Christ, Wisconsin Conference
Looking for inspiration in the Lenten season? Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, for a conversation about ways congregations around the state are welcoming our new Afghan neighbors. During this 90-minute Zoom workshop hosted by the UCC Wisconsin Conference’s Immigration Working Group, we’ll learn about the big picture of statewide refugee resettlement from the Rev. Peder Johanson (Volunteer Coordinator for Afghan Refugee Response with the Wisconsin Council of Churches) and Mary Flynn (Program Manager for Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan). We’ll be inspired by stories of personal experiences welcoming new Afghan neighbors, including an update from the newly-formed group, Welcoming New Neighbors-NW WI Refugee Resettlement. And we’ll have a chance to brainstorm together and share ideas of how our congregations might get involved in welcoming new refugee neighbors to our communities.
Register here for “After Fort McCoy: Immigration Justice Here and Now with our New Afghan Neighbors” on Tuesday, March 22 from 6:30-8 p.m.
